System and method for monitoring a vertical shaft impact crusher

Abstract

A system and method for monitoring a vertical shaft impact crusher comprises a plurality of sensors which continuously monitor the current status of a plurality of crusher component parts, a computer in communication with the sensors, and a graphical user interface in communication with the computer and on which is displayed a plurality of virtual instruments. The computer interprets the signals received from the sensors and renders a perceptible indication of a plurality of crusher conditions on the plurality of virtual instruments, each of which conditions are associated with or derived from one or more of the signals received from the sensors. In a preferred embodiment, a recorded history of the status of each of the conditions may be viewed on a historical data viewer for a selected time period.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 669,944, filed Apr. 7, 2005.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to rock crushing machines and, more particularly, to a system for monitoring, recording, and evaluating a plurality of conditions on a vertical shaft impact crusher.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Vertical shaft impact (VSI) rock crushers provide the rock crushing industry with an efficient and remarkably effective tool for breaking rocks down to a functional particle size. VSI crushers work on the principle that mineral material fed axially into a spinning rotor is flung outwardly at high speed into a chamber surrounding the rotor. Material first ejected from the rotor is retained in the chamber and acts as a rock lining which protects the walls and other parts of the chamber. Thus the breakdown of the rock is caused in great part by...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Operation of the system using a computer also enables remote monitoring of the conditions of any given VSI crusher from any location in the world by establishing communication between a local computer to which the crusher sensors are connected, and a remote computer, acting as a remote monitoring station, through a computer network such as the internet. This has the added advantage of enabling an authorized user at the remote location to monitor the operation of the crusher through the system.

Problems solved by technology

If excess load is placed on the motor, the amperage draw of the motor will increase, causing a rise in winding temperatures and undesirable stress on the motor.

However, if the lubrication mechanism should fail, or be otherwise neglected, e.g. by failing to refill the lubricant reservoir, the crusher will not be properly lubricated.

An open crusher lid during operation creates a dangerous condition.

If the guard is left open during operation of the crusher, the operator can be exposed to a dangerous condition.

Operation of the crusher when the rotor and crusher chamber are exposed to high feed temperature may adversely affect the operation of the machine.

Understandably, VSI crushers experience regular breakdowns which are frustrating, expensive and time consuming.

In far too many cases, the crusher is only returned to operation after a part is repaired or replaced resulting in an expensive production loss period of downtime.

Heretofore, there has been no effective predictive method to monitor the various conditions of an operating VSI crusher so that preventative action can be taken.

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